Usually when a lead director steps down after completing the first block of principal photography on a production, there's admittedly a frustrating tendency for the next one to struggle capturing filmmaking of the same calibre. Therefore, the visuals become less experimental, more conventional / formulaic & aesthetically, the established style deteriorates until it's less adventurous & consequently, predictable - in order for it to be easier to maintain for the duration of the rest of a shoot. I say this in order to provide context for my main compliment because credit where credit's due, it is genuinely a major achievement for Gandja Monteiro & cinematographer Stephan Pehrsson to take over from a duo as formidably strong as Tim Burton & David Lanzenberg (behind the camera) - & still manage to meet the same standard set by their predecessors with relative ease. Seriously, the transition from one team to the next is seamless & I'm in awe of the brilliance of their abilities, in retaining such strong continuity - & making it appear almost effortless.
With this episode, the narrative additionally builds upon the previous 4 installments with a newfound energy & enthusiasm I couldn't help but notice; each & every scene skilfully crafted & enhancing the story further with interesting twists & turns which lead in to a really wonderfully realised cliffhanger. Although the show didn't get off to a very promising start, the more I watch of this, the better it's gradually becoming.